WORK on the new £236,000 Splashpad in King George V playing field at Melksham began last Friday (May 10) with an official launch by the town’s mayor Cllr Adrienne Westbrook.

Contractors Kingcombe Stonbury of Crewkerne started digging on May 7 and the work is likely to take several weeks until mid-July.

The new water play facility will be the focal point for new facilities at the playing fields and leads the way for a much wider programme of improvements.

Cllr Westbrook said: “We are extremely proud to be bringing this facility to the people of Melksham.

“They deserve to have first rate facilities on their doorsteps. We also very much hope that this will be something that will draw people to Melksham and that once here they will realise what a great town we have.”

Other improvements will include a trim trail, the start of a community sensory garden, a new length of pathway and improved access to the Pavilion building which provides toilets for the park users.

Future plans include a new play area located next to the splashpad, an adventure area, cafe, sports area and a nature area, with the aim of making the playing fields a day-out destination for families and older people alike.

The splashpad funding has come largely from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and local solar farm monies.

Debbie Bentley, the town council’s community engagement officer, said: “It is an exciting time for the people of Melksham and its council.

“To be able to come together to improve the facilities for the town doesn’t happen every day.

“I very much look forward to working with the wider community on not only the sensory garden which launches at the end of May but on all improvements.”

Town councillors hope the new splashpad will be completed in time for the school summer holidays.

Residents can monitor progress on the Melksham Town Council website.